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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
sleep apnea and the cpap
Answered by
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sleep apnea and the cpap
by ailema, Apr 26, 2005 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago. My problem is that even when I have my cpap on, I still stop breathing. I don't believe that it has anything to do with air leaking out, because it happens even when my mask is fitting properly. I hear about so many grateful people finally getting good sleep after getting use to their cpap. It's alarming to me that even my cpap doesn't prevent these frightening episodes. Is there a reason this why I seem to be an exception, and is there any other alternative?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, May 04, 2005 12:00AM
, May 04, 2005 12:00AM
Sleep apnea is when breathing stops for 10 seconds or more while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway does not fully open during sleep. This can happen whenever there is a physical obstruction, such as the collapsing of a large airway or the tongue falling back to block the throat and narrow the airway. Snoring is what often alerts people to the problem.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is used as a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. This machine delivers continuous air pressure into the lungs to keep the airways open during sleep. You may need a higher pressure for the CPAP to help you. When CPAP doesn’t help a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine is another option to try. This machine delivers a low air pressure alternating with a high air pressure into the lungs to keep the airways open during sleep.
Central sleep apnea is the result of the signal to breathe not being sent to the respiratory muscles by sluggish neurons in the brainstem. This also causes breathing to stop for 10 seconds or longer while sleeping.
The best advice we can give is that you consult with a recognized sleep expert to explore your options.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is used as a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. This machine delivers continuous air pressure into the lungs to keep the airways open during sleep. You may need a higher pressure for the CPAP to help you. When CPAP doesn’t help a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine is another option to try. This machine delivers a low air pressure alternating with a high air pressure into the lungs to keep the airways open during sleep.
Central sleep apnea is the result of the signal to breathe not being sent to the respiratory muscles by sluggish neurons in the brainstem. This also causes breathing to stop for 10 seconds or longer while sleeping.
The best advice we can give is that you consult with a recognized sleep expert to explore your options.
